THE EDUCATION CATCH-22 ARCHTYPE

In the world of increased competition for education funding and resources, it is important for academic institutions to become Master of The Education Catch-22 shown below rather than its Victim.

1. The financial state of a school or district, usually tied to the number of enrolled students, is dependent upon a finite allocation of money and often determines the number and quality of programs and staff the organization can provide.

2. The number or quality of programs and staff are significant factors in shaping the general perception of the Quality of Education offered by the school or district. Cuts in program and/or staff suggest cuts in quality. This perception is important both to the general public and the organization's staff. Perception becomes reality in the mind. There are two impact tracks that perception of Quality of Education affects. Both influence the resultant perceived Image of the school or district.

3. The first track is the student track. It affects current and potential students/families. Parents want a high quality education for their children. Whether they perceive they get it or perceive they don't get it, they talk with others about the school or district's Quality of Education from their own perspective. Their individual and collectively shared perceptions impact the school or district Image.

4. The second track is the staff track. It affects current and future staff. Staff want to work in an environment that offers stability, fulfillment, and respect. Whether they perceive they have that or do not have as an employee of the school or district, they talk with other educators and with parents about the Quality of Education and the education environment from their perspective.

5. The individual and collectively shared staff perceptions determine staff morale.

6. The Image of the school or district as a good place to be either as a student or an employee and the Quality of Education offered is directly shaped by the combined staff and student/family perception.
If the perceived Image of the school or district is that it offers a high Quality of Education and good environment, that Image generally will retain existing students and even may attract new ones and their accompanying funding (closing the loop back to #1). A positive Image will usually also keep staff members and attract new ones with credentials to match the Image.

If, however, the perceived Image of the school or district is negatively formed, the corresponding negative impact can be significant. With open enrollment, parents will take their children and the accompanying funding out of a perceived low quality school and place them into one with a more positive Image. (back to #1) Staff disenchantment following cutbacks and increased duty/workload assignments may motivate good people to look elsewhere for the stability, fulfillment, and respect they seek. (back to #2, #5, and #6).

Le2's TPS Approach can be an effective tool in dealing with Education's Catch-22.